TMC's Pediatric Emergency Department is Open 24/7

The Pediatric Emergency Department, which includes a family consultation room, is open 24 hours a day to provide around-the-clock pediatric emergency service. The goal is to make the emergency experience better for children and their parents, away from the distractions of other patients and medical equipment.

TMC was certified in 2012 as an “Advanced Care Emergency Department” — the highest certification level offered through a voluntary program collaboratively run by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Arizona Department of Health Services. Arizona is one of only five states to implement the program, which requires that hospitals meet stringent criteria for staffing, equipment and facilities.

TMC provides a family-friendly space with child-sized equipment and offers a dedicated staff focused on providing specialized care in a family-centered care area.

This means a child can have plenty of family around to support and comfort them through the sometimes stressful experience of visiting an emergency room. At the same time, parents can be comforted in knowing that the full spectrum of TMC's top-level emergency and pediatric diagnostic and hospital resources is ready and waiting to care for their child's every need.

What does this mean for young families?

Families should continue to sign in at the regular Emergency entrance for triage. Most children and their families will then proceed to the Pediatric Emergency Department, located a few steps away. Young patients who are in an acute medical crisis, such as a resuscitation case, will remain in the main Emergency Department.

Medical care in the Pediatric Emergency Department is provided by specialty physicians and nurses trained in emergency and pediatric medicine. Additional staff members include a child life specialist who provides support and education for patients and families.

TMC's Pediatric Emergency Department features 15 pediatric beds designed to meet the medical and psychological needs of children, including a six-bed area for short-term care of critically ill children who require observation and/or frequent monitoring. This area features state-of-the-art equipment and a comprehensive professional staff.

Language Services

Spanish and other foreign language assistance is available via special phones 24/7. Sign language interpretation is also available. Spanish language interpreters are also available through your nurse or by calling (520) 324-2836 during business hours.